Atalanta Stopped Lookman Joining Galatasaray, Says Agent

Nigerian international Ademola Lookman did not join compatriot Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray last season because parent club Atalanta consistently refused to sanction a transfer, according to Italian agent George Gardi. The move collapsed despite sustained interest from the Turkish champions and Osimhen’s personal attempts to recruit his fellow national team player.

Galatasaray had targeted Lookman throughout the 2023/24 season, with Osimhen publicly confirming his efforts to persuade the winger to make the switch from Serie A. The club’s pursuit intensified after Lookman’s proposed transfer to Inter Milan collapsed in the summer of 2023. However, a deal never materialised.

George Gardi, an agent involved in several high-profile transfers for Galatasaray, explained the primary obstacle. “Especially with top-level players, sometimes transfers don’t fall through. There are endless variables,” Gardi told Tuttosport. “Last summer, after his [Ademola Lookman’s] deal with Inter fell through, I tried for Lookman; I wanted to emulate the Osimhen operation. A loan with a purchase option. But his club didn’t want to let him go.”

Gardi revealed that Galatasaray renewed their interest in the January 2024 window but were again thwarted by Atalanta’s non-negotiable stance. “I tried again in January, but this time the demands from the Bergamo club were too high,” he stated. Atalanta’s firm position effectively blocked both attempts, leaving Galatasaray without the attacking reinforcement they sought.

Lookman, 26, instead remained at Atalanta before completing a surprise loan move to Atlético Madrid in the final days of the January window. His form for the Italian club, where he scored 11 goals in the 2022/23 Serie A season, had made him a key target for Galatasaray as they sought to bolster their options alongside Osimhen.

The failed pursuit highlights the challenges clubs face in negotiating with teams unwilling to sell prized assets, regardless of a player’s personal willingness to move. For Galatasaray, the inability to secure Lookman represents a missed opportunity to further strengthen their squad with a player who shares a strong national team connection with their star striker. With Lookman now in Spain, any future move to Istanbul would depend on a new agreement between Galatasaray and Atlético Madrid or a reuniting with Atalanta at a later date.